CompTIA

CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202)
exam objectives

The operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures half of CompTIA's industry-standard help desk and technical support baseline -- validates hands-on skill securing, maintaining, and supporting Windows/macOS/Linux/mobile systems. Pair with A+ Core 1 (220-1201) to complete the full CompTIA A+ certification.

Questions
90
Duration
90 min
Passing score
700
Domains
4

340 practice questions available for 220-1202 on CertPilot AI, mapped to the domains below.

220-1202 exam domains and weightings

The 220-1202 exam is split into 4 domains. The percentage next to each is the share of the exam it accounts for — study time is best spent proportionally.

1.0Operating Systems

28%

96 practice questions in this domain

  • 1.1Explain common operating system types and their purposes (Windows, Linux, macOS, Chrome OS, mobile OSs, filesystem types, vendor life-cycle limitations, compatibility)
  • 1.10Given a scenario, install applications according to requirements
  • 1.11Given a scenario, install and configure cloud-based productivity tools
  • 1.2Given a scenario, perform OS installations and upgrades in a diverse environment (boot methods, installation types, partitioning, drive format, upgrade considerations, feature updates)
  • 1.3Compare and contrast basic features of Microsoft Windows editions (Windows 10/11 editions, N versions, feature differences, upgrade paths, hardware requirements)
  • 1.4Given a scenario, use Microsoft Windows operating system features and tools (Task Manager, MMC snap-ins, additional tools)
  • 1.5Given a scenario, use the appropriate Microsoft command-line tools (navigation, network, disk management, file management, informational, OS management)
  • 1.6Given a scenario, configure Microsoft Windows settings (Control Panel and Settings app categories)
  • 1.7Given a scenario, configure Microsoft Windows networking features on a client/desktop
  • 1.8Explain common features and tools of the macOS/desktop operating system
  • 1.9Identify common features and tools of the Linux client/desktop operating system

2.0Security

28%

95 practice questions in this domain

  • 2.1Summarize various security measures and their purposes (physical security, physical access security, logical security)
  • 2.10Given a scenario, apply security settings on SOHO wireless and wired networks
  • 2.11Given a scenario, configure relevant security settings in a browser
  • 2.2Given a scenario, configure and apply basic Microsoft Windows OS security settings (Defender Antivirus, firewall, users/groups, log-in options, NTFS vs. share permissions, UAC, BitLocker, EFS, Active Directory)
  • 2.3Compare and contrast wireless security protocols and authentication methods
  • 2.4Summarize types of malware and tools/methods for detection, removal, and prevention
  • 2.5Compare and contrast common social engineering attacks, threats, and vulnerabilities
  • 2.6Given a scenario, implement procedures for basic SOHO malware removal
  • 2.7Given a scenario, apply workstation security options and hardening techniques
  • 2.8Given a scenario, apply common methods for securing mobile devices
  • 2.9Compare and contrast common data destruction and disposal methods

3.0Software Troubleshooting

23%

78 practice questions in this domain

  • 3.1Given a scenario, troubleshoot common Windows OS issues
  • 3.2Given a scenario, troubleshoot common mobile OS and application issues
  • 3.3Given a scenario, troubleshoot common mobile OS and application security issues
  • 3.4Given a scenario, troubleshoot common personal computer (PC) security issues

4.0Operational Procedures

21%

71 practice questions in this domain

  • 4.1Given a scenario, implement best practices associated with documentation and support systems information management
  • 4.10Explain basic concepts related to artificial intelligence (AI)
  • 4.2Given a scenario, apply change management procedures
  • 4.3Given a scenario, implement workstation backup and recovery methods
  • 4.4Given a scenario, use common safety procedures
  • 4.5Summarize environmental impacts and local environment controls
  • 4.6Explain the importance of prohibited content/activity and privacy, licensing, and policy concepts
  • 4.7Given a scenario, use proper communication techniques and professionalism
  • 4.8Explain the basics of scripting
  • 4.9Given a scenario, use remote access technologies

How to prepare for CompTIA A+ Core 2

Most candidates fail 220-1202 not because they didn't know the material, but because they couldn't tell which material they were weakest on. Reading the objectives end to end treats every domain as equally important — the exam doesn't. On 220-1202, Operating Systems alone is 28% of your score.

CertPilot AI works the other way around. It tracks your accuracy per domain, weights each domain by its real exam share, and pulls most of each practice session from wherever you're currently weakest. The result is a single readiness score — at 90% you're in the range where candidates typically pass, so you book the exam on evidence instead of a hunch.

Every question comes with an AI explanation of why the right answer is right and why each distractor is wrong. The Exam Decoder goes further and breaks down how to read a question — the qualifiers, the scenario framing, and the trap options — which is the skill that separates a 740 from a 700.

CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) FAQ

How many questions are on the CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) exam?

The 220-1202 exam has up to 90 questions and you get 90 minutes to complete it.

What score do you need to pass CompTIA A+ Core 2?

CompTIA A+ Core 2 requires a scaled score of 700. Scaled scoring means the raw number of correct answers is adjusted for the difficulty of the specific question set you were served, so there is no fixed percentage that guarantees a pass.

What domains does the 220-1202 exam cover?

CompTIA A+ Core 2 is divided into 4 domains: Operating Systems (28%), Security (28%), Software Troubleshooting (23%), Operational Procedures (21%). The heaviest weighted domain is Operating Systems at 28% of the exam.

How do I know when I'm ready to book the 220-1202 exam?

CertPilot AI calculates a readiness score by weighting your accuracy in each domain by that domain's share of the real exam, then scaling it by how many questions you've actually answered — so a domain you've barely touched can't inflate the number. At 90% you're in the range where candidates typically pass.

How much does the 220-1202 exam cost?

The CompTIA A+ Core 2 exam voucher typically costs around $246 USD. Pricing varies by region and vendors periodically adjust it, so confirm on the official vendor site before booking.

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